Combination of acute phase and relapse prevention in the treatment of chronic wounds

medi now offers an exclusive wound concept that combines the acute phase and relapse prevention (preventing the reoccurrence of symptoms and diseases) in the treatment of chronic wounds. The combination of effective wound debridement with elastic and inelastic compression garments aims to boost patient adherence (consistent implementation of the treatment plan agreed on with the therapist). The benefit: medi's wound therapy concept stands for a shorter treatment period and the economic use of materials and personnel in treating ulcers.1 The patients can carry out all the treatment steps themselves.

These are the three pillars of the effective therapy concept with a high adherence factor:

1. Wound debridement with UCSTM Debridement

The ready for use cloth cleanses the wound almost painlessly and cares for the wound margin and the skin surrounding the wound. The combination of cleansing and care solutions with poloxamer and the structure of the cloth help dissolve the biofilm, prevent skin infections and combat micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses and fungi).2 This soothes the inflammation and promotes cell regeneration and cell growth. A clean wound and the protection of new growing cells are a precondition for healing.

2. Treatment of the underlying condition

The underlying disease – chronic venous insufficiency – must be treated to ensure successful therapy for a venous leg ulcer. The ankle oedema (swelling) that usually develops at the same time is also decongested by compression, which is applied as a first step with the compression garment circaid juxtacures. After the individual fitting session, patients can apply the inelastic and breathable care themselves. This easy handling simplifies the time-consuming bandage changes. Thanks to the integrated Built-In-Pressure system, the compression range prescribed by the doctor is simple to set and can be readjusted if needed. This enables constant pressure to be exerted all day long. After a little instruction, patients are able to readjust the garment themselves – a plus for compliance.

The compression garment also allows the full range of movement at the ankle joint to promote the activity of the muscle pump and help reduce oedema.

Once the oedema has been decongested, the tried-and-tested compression stocking system mediven ulcer kit goes into action. With its two components, this system is just as simple to use and has found wide acceptance among patients on account of its discreet look.

The mediven ulcer anti-embolism stocking for continuous compression with a pressure of 20 mmHg at the ankle is worn 24 hours a day to prolong compression therapy during the night.

The compression knee stocking mediven ulcer plus, also with 20 mmHg pressure at the ankle, reinforces compression during the day and guarantees the therapeutic and medically required compression pressure of 40 mmHg during the acute phase.

Thanks to the special material with its antibacterial effect, the mediven ulcer kit offers optimised hygiene conditions. The knitted-in colour marking for exact positioning and the inspection opening in the sole of the foot provide for rapid donning and simple wound inspection.

3. Relapse prevention with medical compression garments

After successful acute treatment, medical compression garments maintain the successful treatment results. Depending on the patient's status, the doctor decides whether round knit hosiery or a flat knit compression stocking is to be worn. The broad product range with a wide selection of colours and design elements (for example, mediven) help the patient choose the suitable garment.

Round knit hosiery (for example, mediven plus) is recommended for a slight to moderate tendency to develop oedema. It reduces the venous diameter, the venous valves close again and increase venous return to the heart. Flat knit compression stockings (for example, mediven 550 Leg) are used for a moderate to strong tendency to develop oedema. Thanks to the stronger wall stability and the higher working pressure, the leg stays decongested for longer. Treatment is rounded off with medi's practical accessories: medi butlers make it easier to put the compression garments on and medi's care products, which are specifically matched to each other, supply the skin with moisture.